By Todd Rowley
March 2023
If you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoy camping, you know that a good night’s sleep is crucial to fully enjoying your trip. The Smittybilt Gen1 rooftop tent is a product that can help you achieve that.
Perched atop my 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad is the SmittyBilt Gen1 rooftop tent secured to UpTop Overland racks. I looked at many tents before purchasing the SmittyBilt, but I must admit the cost was a big factor for me—coming in around $1300, the SmittyBilt was on the lower end of my price point.
One potential drawback of the Smittybilt rooftop tent is its weight. When I picked it up at the courier depot (another story for another day) I soon discovered that wrestling it into the bed of my truck was going to be a challenge without the help of a close friend – and there was no help to be found on this day.
The SmittyBilt Gen1 weighs approximately 120 lbs (plus campers), which may be too heavy for some vehicles to support; make sure your vehicle is equipped for additional weight. Additionally, it may be difficult to install for those who are not experienced with roof-mounted camping solutions.
Once home and set up on my truck it was soon time to put it to the test. I’ve camped on backcountry crownland, roads less travelled, and provincial parks. I’ve camped in rains and winds and this tent has stood up to the elements.
The tent itself is made from heavy-duty rip-stop polyester, which is both waterproof and UV-resistant, and the base is made from aluminum. This rooftop tent is sturdy enough to withstand any weather conditions.
One of the standout features of the Smittybilt rooftop tent is its spacious interior. It measures 56 inches wide by 96 inches long, providing enough room to comfortably sleep two adults. The extra length at the foot offers space for luggage storage or the family pet. The tent includes a 2.5-inch high-density foam mattress to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep, but I added an additional memory foam pad that remains in the tent along with my bedding (pillows excluded).
Additionally, adding to the sense of space, there are multiple windows and skylights, allowing for ample ventilation and natural light. For extra light, an LED strip light is included and can be powered with a small USB power bank.
The tent is easy to set up and take down, thanks to its innovative design. It uses a telescoping ladder, which allows for easy access to the tent and serves as a leverage point for set up and take down. The ladder can be adjusted to fit vehicles of varying heights, making it a versatile option for any type of vehicle. The tent also comes with a rainfly, which provides additional protection against the elements.
When packed away, the thick vinyl cover provides the protection you need. I’ve left my tent on the truck year-round and have no problems with water leaks or general wear.
Overall, the Smittybilt rooftop tent is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality, durable, and easy-to-use camping solution. Its spacious interior and innovative design make it a great choice for any outdoor enthusiast. While it may be too heavy for some vehicles to support and difficult to install for some, the benefits of this product far outweigh any potential drawbacks. If you’re in the market for a rooftop tent, the Smittybilt rooftop tent is definitely worth considering.
